Asthma Week 1: How to Help Your Child

Your child has asthma, which can make it hard to breathe. Asthma (AZ-muh) is a disease that makes it difficult for air to get in and out of the lungs.

It's normal to worry about your child's asthma. But kids with asthma can stay well when asthma is cared for. Follow your care plan every day — even when your child seems well.

Here's what to do:

Give your child medicines as prescribed. Asthma can be dangerous. When kids don't take their medicines, they can get very sick. We'll talk more about treatments in issue 3 of this newsletter.

Follow your asthma action plan every day. The plan tells you which medicines to give and when. We'll talk more about action plans in issue 4.

Learn about asthma flare-ups (also called "attacks"). Find out what causes your child's flare-ups and how to prevent them. We'll talk more about flare-ups in issue 2.

Asthma is always there, even when your child seems well. But you can do things to help. In the next 6 weeks, we will send you tips and advice to help you care for your child.

You Can Control Asthma

If you just started caring for a child with asthma, it might seem like there's a lot to do and remember. Don't worry. Things get easier the more you do them. Your care team members can help. Keep the number of your child's doctor in your phone and call if you have questions.

Asthma: Parents Talk

Hear what parents have to say about raising kids with asthma.

This publication was made possible by Grant 1C1CMS331017 from the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The contents of this newsletter are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Department of Health and Human Services or any of its agencies.